Stress is one of the leading causes of disease. Prolonged exposure to
stress can lead to physical ailments such as insomnia, chronic muscle
tension, digestive disorders, ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart
disease. Mental and emotional consequences include memory loss, inability
to concentrate, anxiety, hostility, and depression.

Stress is subjective. What is stressful to one person might be
stimulating to another. The difference is in perception or one’s inner
conditioning. Yoga is one of the best tools for managing stress because it
encourages you to focus internally. Yoga conditions your mental “muscles”
along with your physical muscles to help you prevail under pressure and to
respond more gracefully and effectively. At the same time, yoga helps
eliminate and soothe the damaging effects of stress.

Anyone can practice yoga. Some of the physiological benefits of
yoga practice include:

Better health

Improved sleep

Normalization of weight

Decrease of physical tension

Greater flexibility and strength

Increased vitality, endurance, and resiliency

Improved circulation and digestion

Improved posture

Some of the psychological benefits include:

Decrease of anxiety, hostility, and depression

Improved memory, attention span, and ability to concentrate

Calmness

Improved mood and sense of well-being

Greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-actualization

Improved balance

Yoga promotes a healthy interaction between the mind and body — an
important benefit given that so many common physical ailments are
attributed to stress and one’s mental or emotional state. For example,
recent studies show that a majority of common back ailments are triggered
not by physical abnormalities or by heavy lifting, but by chronically
tight muscles caused by stress. Emotional stress causes the back muscles
to become tense and more vulnerable to injury. Gentle yoga stretches help
reduce physical tension directly. Simple breathing techniques and
encouragement to stay aware in the present moment help alleviate the
mental and emotional distress that causes such tension.

The mind-body interaction works in both directions. When you are
physically tense, the mind becomes more easily agitated and critical. When
muscles relax, as they do in yoga practice, the mind becomes more
tranquil. The result is greater clarity, a healthy change of perspective,
and the ability to respond to challenges more creatively and with calm and
ease.

Much of the stress people feel today results from feeling disconnected
or powerless. The greater pressures of balancing work and family
responsibilities can easily overwhelm anyone. Yoga’s emphasis on inner
focus helps you connect with and develop an inner strength. Yoga helps you
slow down to appreciate and create a balance among all aspects of your
being — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. As you become more
relaxed, you can find more peace and joy in life and bring more peace and
joy to others.

Yoga practice does not require a large, time-consuming commitment. A
few minutes a day can go a long way. Attending a yoga class once or twice
a week can provide you the support you need to learn and maintain your
practice. Finding a well-qualified teacher is important. To find a teacher
in your area, ask your health care professional or visit the Massachusetts Yoga Alliance website or the
Yoga Alliance website (for national listings).